Pyridine-Functionalized and Metallized Meso-Macroporous Polymers for Highly Selective Capture and Catalytic Conversion of CO₂ into Cyclic Carbonates

Pyridinic nitrogen functionalized porous organic polymers (PDVB-VP-x, where x represents the volume ratio of VP/DVB) with hierarchical meso-macroporosity were template-free synthesized from solvothermal cross-linking of 4-vinylpyridine with divinylbenzene. PDVB-VP-x can be used as effective supports for metalation with Co2+ and Zn2+, giving metal@PDVB-VP-x composites. CO2 and N2 adsorption tests demonstrate that metal@PDVB-VP-x have competitive capacities for CO2 at low relative pressure of 0.15 bar (0.58–0.89 and 0.51–0.76 mmol g–1 at 0 and 25 °C) and extraordinary Ideal Adsorption Solution Theory (IAST) selectivities for CO2/N2 (84.5–96.7 at 0 °C and 130.5–163.5 at 25 °C). The metal@PDVB-VP-x composites also exhibit impressive activities in catalyzing conversion of CO2 from dilute sources (15% balanced in N2) into cyclic carbonates under ambient condition. Interestingly, the metal@PDVB-VP-x composites have excellent water-tolerant property, endowing them with potentially important applications in selective adsorption and conversion of CO2 from waste gas in the industry.